Snorkelling and Diving in Sri Lanka: Reefs, Wrecks and Seasons

Sri Lanka's reefs were damaged by the 2004 tsunami and by coral bleaching, but they are recovering in many places and still offer lovely snorkelling and diving. The coast has another attraction too: dozens of shipwrecks, from colonial-era sailing ships to Second World War vessels.

As with beaches, the season depends on the coast:

• West and south coasts: roughly November to April.
• East coast: roughly May to September/October.

Best snorkelling spots

Pigeon Island National Park (east coast)

Pigeon Island, a short boat ride from Nilaveli, is Sri Lanka's best snorkelling site. The shallow reef is home to blacktip reef sharks, turtles and colourful reef fish. Go early in the morning before the day-trip boats arrive, and stay in the designated snorkelling areas.

Hikkaduwa (south-west)

Hikkaduwa's coral sanctuary is right off the beach. Green turtles feed in the shallows, and the reef has plenty of fish. It's busy, and the coral is patchy, but it's easy and fun.

Unawatuna and Jungle Beach (south)

Unawatuna's sheltered bay and nearby Jungle Beach have small reefs that are good on calm days.

Polhena (south)

At Polhena near Matara, a reef shelters a calm lagoon where turtles are often seen. Great for families.

Kalpitiya (north-west)

The Bar Reef off the Kalpitiya peninsula is Sri Lanka's largest marine sanctuary, best from around November to April. Kalpitiya is also known for dolphin watching and kitesurfing.

Best diving

• Hikkaduwa and Galle — a variety of reef and wreck dives, including several historic wrecks. Dive centres operate from November to April.
• Unawatuna and Weligama/Mirissa — reefs and wrecks along the south coast.
• Trincomalee and Pigeon Island — east-coast reefs and wrecks from May to September.
• Batticaloa — the wreck of the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes, sunk in 1942, lies in deep water off the coast. It is a technical dive for experienced divers only.
• Bentota and Beruwala — reef dives from the west coast.

PADI- and SSI-certified dive centres offer beginner courses and fun dives for certified divers. Check the operator's safety record and equipment before you book.

Snorkelling and diving responsibly

• Never stand on, touch or kick the coral. Practise floating before you head over the reef.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear a rash vest.
• Don't touch, chase or feed turtles or fish. See our sea turtle guide.
• Don't buy shells or coral souvenirs.
• Wear fins and a lifejacket if you're not a confident swimmer.

Safety

• Check sea conditions every day — currents can be strong, especially outside the main season. Read our beach safety guide.
• Snorkel with a buddy.
• Watch out for boats in busy areas like Hikkaduwa and Pigeon Island.
• Make sure your travel insurance covers diving.